The job market for chemical engineers in the United States

There are currently an estimated 21,600 chemical engineers in the United States. The chemical engineer job market is expected to grow by 2.6% between 2024 and 2034.

How employable are chemical engineers?

CareerExplorer rates chemical engineers with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 500 chemical engineers.

Are chemical engineers in demand?

Demand for chemical engineers generally mirrors the demand for products of various manufacturing industries. In a thriving manufacturing sector, many chemical engineers, for example, find work with firms that manufacture plastic resins, used to increase fuel efficiency. Regardless of economic conditions, pharmaceutical and environmental health companies need trained professionals to continue to research and develop new chemicals and more efficient processes to enhance output of existing chemicals. The electronics, food processing, clothing, paper, and defense industries also present opportunities for chemical engineers. Academic positions will be available to those with doctoral degrees. Most employment growth in the sector will take place in alternative energies research and the developing fields of nanotechnology and biotechnology. This growth is expected to more than compensate for any potential stalls generated by a manufacturing slowdown. It will be sustained as long as chemical engineers stay at the forefront of new, emerging technologies. Because of the imbalance between the number of retiring chemical engineers and the number of new graduates, there continues to be demand for the engineer who is ‘in between.’ Those with process or project engineering backgrounds and five or more years of experience should encounter exceptional opportunities and very competitive salaries.

What’s the supply of chemical engineers?

The chemical engineer industry is concentrated in Texas, California, Massachusetts

Chemical Engineer job market by state